Aurora - The owner of a pit bull that mauled an 11-year-old Aurora boy this week will not be charged by police.
Orville Wayne Cockriel was questioned by Aurora police Thursday night after being arrested by Kane County sheriff's deputies. Citing lack of criminal intent, police declined to charge Cockriel, 54, of the 400 block of Dayward Court.
The investigation has been turned over to Aurora animal control authorities, who will decide whether to bring charges under local ordinances, police said.
Sunday night, Cockriel's white pit bull, Popeye, attacked neighbor Xavier Benavidez. The boy was bitten numerous times and received between 30 and 40 stitches to his face, shoulder and ribcage.
The dog was euthanized Monday morning.
Cockriel continues to be held on an arrest warrant for contempt of court over a child-support issue, according to the Kane County sheriff's office.
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